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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-03-31

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

  • [01] Nearly 5860 Kosovars have come in Durres within two days
  • [02] Albania Foreign Minister to leave Wednesday for Bon
  • [03] Albania Government discusses accommodation of Kosova refugees
  • [04] Killings in Kosova - barbarous crimes of nazi, stalinist terror
  • [05] Academy voices indignation on Serbian monstrous crimes
  • [06] 24 533 Kosova people arriving in Kukes moved to other areas
  • [07] European states, organisations offer aid to Kosova people
  • [08] Envoy of Pope John Paul II to visit Albania on Wednesday
  • [09] European officials to visit Tirana
  • [10] Kosova people hospitalized in Durres
  • [11] "Toena" presents Albanian book in London Fair for first time
  • [12] 15 000 people from Kosove arrived in Kukes last night and today in the morning
  • [13] Greece assists people coming from Kosova to Albania
  • [14] Albanian Premier urges EU aid to face the crisis of Kosove refugees
  • [15] Over 100 000 Kosovars arrive in Albania
  • [16] Number of Kosovars reaching Tirane amounts to 7 200
  • [17] Serbs hit border post of Dobrun
  • [18] Tirane students support Kosova brothers
  • [19] Albania, NATO's important partner
  • [20] Albanian Youth Council assists Kosovars
  • [21] Proclaiming of hosting city of Festfolk Festival '99 postponed due to tense situation in Kosova
  • [22] We support just cause of people of Kosove - French parliamentarian
  • [23] Fourth International Fair "Spring '99" to be closed
  • [24] Actors of "Skampa" theater help financially displaced Kosovars, Elbasan
  • [25] Greece denounces massive assassination of Albanians of Kosove - Papandreou
  • [26] Two Greek military aircraft to bring aid everyday in Albania for Kosove refugees - Papandreou
  • [27] Albanian airport to be opened again
  • [28] Elbasani District Board to accord 1.5 million lek for Kosova comers
  • [29] Attorney's office asks visual media to gather testimonies from displaced Kosovars
  • [30] Peaceful protest in capital tomorrow against violence and ethnic cleansing in Kosova
  • [31] Bonino and Verheugen: humanitarian crisis in Kosova another shame reminding you of Bosnia
  • [32] Massage of Pope John Pali II addressed to Albanian people handed over to Albanian President
  • [33] Ministry of Culture assists Kosovars coming in Albania
  • [34] Albania fully supports intensification of NATO military actions - President
  • [35] Bonino and Verheugen: humanitarian crisis in Kosova another shame reminding you of Bosnia
  • [36] Number of displaced Kosovars in Pogradec amounts to 87
  • [37] NATO attacks do not destabilise but support political solutions - Smith
  • [38] 142 vehicles toward Kukes
  • [39] Papandreou assures Meidani of Greek government's plans to help Kosovars
  • [40] Swiss and Italian assistance for Albanian military
  • [41] Twenty injured Kosovars arrive in Has
  • [42] 97 000 kosovars in Kukes
  • [43] Close cooperation of Albanian government with NATO -Prime Minister Majko meets with General Smith-

  • [01] Nearly 5860 Kosovars have come in Durres within two days

    DURRES, March 30 (ATA) - By G. Kabashi: The number of people coming from Kosova in the prefecture of Durres is estimated at 5860 persons on Tuesday by 23:00.

    More than 2800 Kosovars have arrived in the town only on Tuesday. They are distributed in the collection centers of Durres and Kruje.

    Sources from the prefecture told ATA that although about 70 bakeries prepare nearly 40 000 pieces of bread per day, first shorting is noticed. Anyhow, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has promised food items and milk for the little kids, and the like. The local businessmen are also assisting the Kosovars. /dast/mt/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [02] Albania Foreign Minister to leave Wednesday for Bon

    TIRANA, March 31 (ATA) - By I. Paco: The Albanian Foreign Minister, Paskal Milo, will leave Wednesday for Bon (Germany) where he will take part in the meeting initiated by the German Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer, who actually heads the European Community council of ministers. The aim of the meeting is to discuss the situation created in Albania and Macedonia after the influx of the displaced Kosovars and the discussion for finding a solution to the crisis in Kosova.

    Attending this meeting will be the Balkan countries, excluding Yugoslavia, and will be held on 1 April under the direction of the German Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer, the political adviser of Minister Milo, Skender Minxhozi, told ATA in the early hours of Wednesday.

    As a result of the fighting, which is going on in Kosova, where Milosevic has carried out a massive massacre against the Kosova Albanians, a huge number of Kosovars (mainly women, children and elders) have entered Albania and Macedonia, by creating a very difficult humanitarian situation in these countries, whose economies still have fragile political and economical balances. The Albanian government has urged recently the international bodies to assist in coping with the great influx of the displaced Kosovars. /y.pa/mt/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [03] Albania Government discusses accommodation of Kosova refugees

    TIRANA, March 31 (ATA) - By I. Luto: The Albanian government held late on Tuesday a meeting to discuss the project of setting up the Unit for the Management of Crisis, which will coordinate all the needs presented by the prefectures with the aid offered by foreign donors and bodies, the Ministry of Information reported to ATA.

    In the meeting, chaired by Premier Pandeli Majko, a briefing was made on the situation in northern Albania and the measures taken for its stabilization as soon as possible.

    A program was also presented in this meeting with the needs of the Albanian government to provide with food items and accommodate for a three- month period 150 000 Kosovars who are expected to arrive from Kosova.

    The demands, presented in this program, are expected to be completed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), humanitarian organizations and different countries which want to help Albania in this difficult moment. /y.pa/mt/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [04] Killings in Kosova - barbarous crimes of nazi, stalinist terror

    TIRANA, March 30 (ATA) - By P. Shuteriqi: International Helsinki Federation on Human Rights and the Kosova Helsinki Committee condemned on Tuesday the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Kosova comparing them with those of nazi and stalinist terror.

    In their meeting in Vienna on Monday they analysed the nature of genocide and atrocities against Albanians of Kosova, methods of ethnic cleansing as well as measures to be taken in order to stop massive killings and displacement of Albanians and efforts to protect all the citizens of Kosova and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia despite their ethnic, religious and national affiliation.

    The Helsinki Federation voiced its deep concern over the systematic killings of prominent personalities in Kosova such as Fehmi Agani, political adviser of Ibrahim Rugova and member of the Kosova delegation in the peace talks in Paris, Dr. Idriz Ajeti, parliamentary Speaker of Kosova and member of the Kosova delegation in the peace talks in Paris, Dr. Alush Gashi, foreign secretary of the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK), Dr. Latif Berisha, member of the LDK presidency, as well as distinguished publicists in Kosova Din Mehmeti, Teki Dervishi, Baton Haxhiu, Bajram Kelmendi, prominent lawyer of human rights.

    There are also unconfirmed reports on the death of Veton Surroi, publisher of the high-circulation newspaper "Koha Ditore" and one of the member of the Albanian delegation in Paris, the statement of the Helsinki Federation said.

    "These killings planned before are an attack against the future of Kosova and can be compared only with cruel crimes of the nazi and stalinist crimes," the statement said.

    The Helsinki Federation considered the wide-scale attacks and repressions by the security forces and paramilitary forces an expression of a policy, which aimed at dividing Kosova. Some 500.000 people have been massively expelled or missed within Kosova, the statement said.

    The Albanian Helsinki Committee urged an immediate intervention to protect the civil population in Kosova, while the Helsinki Committee of the Republic of Macedonia and its head Mato Jovanovski had received threatening messages accusing them of sympathizing with NATO and cooperating with CIA.

    A Greek Helsinki observer expressed his concern over the statements by the Greek masmedia against the West, while the head of the Helsinki Group in Moscow and head of the International Helsinki Federation Ludmilla Aleksieva said "she has called on the Serbian government to stop its campaign of ethnic cleansing in Kosova." /s.s/ak/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [05] Academy voices indignation on Serbian monstrous crimes

    TIRANA, March 30 (ATA) - The Academy of Science of Albania issued a statement on Tuesday expressing its deep indignation for monstrous crimes of the Serbian chauvinists against the Albanian people and the Kosova intellectuals and a savage campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide directed by the regime of Slobodan Milosevic in Kosova.

    It strongly backed the NATO military actions and hoped that "joint efforts by the international community would help stop the massacres against the Albanian people in Kosova and recognize its legal and human rights."

    The Albanian Civil Society called Tuesday on international community and urged them to boost pressure against the Serbian machine. It also asked them to offer urgent material and financial aid for the Kosova people. /lh/ak/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [06] 24 533 Kosova people arriving in Kukes moved to other areas

    KUKES, March 30 (ATA) - By R. Hoxha: About 15 533 people of Kosova who had arrived in Kukes until Monday were transported to other 13 districts of Albania.

    A spokesman of the Kukes prefecture Emri Peca said to ATA that other 9 thousand people were transported on Tuesday to other cities.

    Most of Kosova people were sent to Tirana and Durres because that was their wish, he said.

    Meanwhile, many buses from Fier, Vlora, Dibra, Bulqiza, Elbasan, Berat have arrived in the main square of Kukes awaiting for other Kosova people.

    The total number of vehicles transporting Kosova people to other cities is estimated at 1.045, 480 of which private cars, 268 lorries, 98 buses, 178 vans and others. /s.sh/ak/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [07] European states, organisations offer aid to Kosova people

    TIRANA, March 31 (ATA) - Several European countries and humanitarian organisations are responding to the recent appeal of the Albanian government to help face the worst humanitarian crisis resulting from the arrival of over 80 thousand people from Kosova who were forced to flee their lands due to the Serbian violence and repression, according to the Ministry of Information.

    The Italian government had delivered 15 buses, 5.203 tents, 50.000 mattresses and 40 vehicles on board of the San Marco warship.

    The Turkish government informed that was going to send soon 18 tons of wheat, 9 tons of rice, 5 tons of cooking oil and 5.000 packages of medicaments.

    The German government has accorded 16 million marks to face the humanitarian crisis while the Israeli government has confirmed the departure of an aircraft with aid.

    The San Egidio community in Italy has accorded US$30 thousand, medicaments worth 14 thousand marks and food aid worth US$3.5 million.

    Oxfam, British Foundation, has allocated 43.100 pounds to be used for water supply in collection centers. /dast/ak/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [08] Envoy of Pope John Paul II to visit Albania on Wednesday

    TIRANA, March 31 (ATA) - Monsignor Paul Jozef Cordes, president of the Papal Council "Cor Unum" will visit Albania on Wednesday, according to a press statement of the Papal Council.

    The envoy of the Pope John Paul II was expected to visit refugees arriving from Kosova in the Kukes area and would hold separate talks with president of Albania, leaders of the Catholic Church and the Albanian Caritas.

    Through this visit, the Pope wanted to share in the pain with many refugees and voiced the concern over the peace in the Balkan region, the statement said.

    Pope said, among others, that he wanted to attract the attention of the international opinion on the drama of many Kosova people.

    The visit of Monsignor Cordes, who is going to hand over the Papal message, would contribute to coordinate initiatives in humanitarian aid, it said. /dast/ak/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [09] European officials to visit Tirana

    TIRANA, March 31 (ATA) - European Union humanitarian aid commissioner Ema Bonino and German minister of State Gunter Verhfungen will arrive on Wednesday in Tirana to be acquainted with the situation resulting from a huge influx of Kosovar refugees to Albania.

    During a few hours stay to Tirana, Bonino and Verhfugen were expected to hold talks with president of Albania Rexhep Meidani, prime minister Pandeli Majko, chiefs of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the like how to cope with the humanitarian crisis.

    They are going to visit the new arrivals from Kosova in one of the collection centers in Tirana.

    The European officials are expected to hold a news conference in the Palace of Congresses. /dast/ak/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [10] Kosova people hospitalized in Durres

    DURRES, March 31 (ATA) - By G. Kabashi: Hospitals of the city of Durres are on duty around the clock to treat sick people arriving from Kosova.

    The doctor Irena Lila said to ATA that 4 patients, two of them children were hospitalized in the pediatric hospital. Two three-month old babies, who were accepted early on Monday in critical conditions, were now out of danger.

    An old man around 70 suffering from heart problems after being force to walk on foot for 25 km, was hospitalized two days ago in the pathological ward. While a 60 years old woman had suffered a paralytic stroke. Another woman around 62 was in critical condition in the same ward.

    A 18 years old boy was hospitalized in the surgery to cure an old wound caused by firearm.

    The doctor of the casualty unit Arjan Tivari said to ATA that 12 patients had been examined in the last 48 hours. /dast/ak/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [11] "Toena" presents Albanian book in London Fair for first time

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - By Ornela Kadaifciu: Toena publishing house presented for the first time the Albanian book in the 29th edition of the International Book Fair in London which was held from March 28-30, 1999, the President of this Publishing House Fatmir Toci told ATA.

    The Albanian book in the fair attracted the attention of a very great number of scholars, historians, readers and visitors. In this context, the high quality of the publication of the books attracted the attention.

    The 29th edition of the London Fair was opened by Olympia, a zone near London. 1400 publishers from different countries of the world took part in the fair which was visited by about 30 thousand people. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [12] 15 000 people from Kosove arrived in Kukes last night and today in the morning

    KUKES, March 31 (ata) - By R Hoxha: During the past night and today in the morning about 15 000 people arrived in Kukes through Morina crossing post.

    The spokesman of the Prefecture of Kukes, Emri Peca, told ATA that during the last night and in the Wednesday morning, there has been a huge flow of people from Kosove, whose number has amounted to nearly 15 000.

    This contingents bring to over 100 000 the number of the displaced Kosovars over the past four days.

    One of the Kosovars who has just arrived, Hasan Piranici, told ATA that at 11.00 p.m. on Tuesday, the Serb chetniks went to their villages and threatened them: "Flee from here or you'll be killed. Go to Albania since you are Albanians, or let America assist you if it wants." /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [13] Greece assists people coming from Kosova to Albania

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - A considerable amount of urgent humanitarian aid arrived on Wednesday noon in the Rinas airport from Greece to help ease the problems of refugees coming from Kosove, the press office of the Embassy of Greece in Tirane reports.

    The aid consists of 20 tons of food items, 2 ambulances, 1000 tents and medicaments for 5 000 sick people.

    The report also says that 20 trailers to be used as houses have arrived until Thursday, while 5 000 blankets have been sent to Korce from Greece.

    The Foreign Minister of Greece, Jorgos Papandreou who is expected to meet with Albanian Premier Majko today, also accompanied the Greek aid to Tirane. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [14] Albanian Premier urges EU aid to face the crisis of Kosove refugees

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - By Eranda Nepravishta: The Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, asked on Wednesday the assistance of the European Union (EU) and all the International Community to face the humanitarian crisis created by the arrival of over 100 thousand refugees from Kosove.

    Over a meeting at noon today with a EU delegation led by the German State Secretary, Gunter Verhfugen and the European High Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, Emma Bonino, the PM Majko asked aid from the international community to face the present crisis, since the latest acts by Milosvic, he said, are seeking to destabilize Albania and the entire region.

    The German State Secretary, Gunter Verhfugen, expressed the EU appreciation for the moderate stand of the Albanian Government towards the crisis in Kosove and the work it is making to overcome the situation created as a result of the huge exodus of the people coming from Kosove.

    The meeting continued without reporters. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [15] Over 100 000 Kosovars arrive in Albania

    KUKES, 31 March (ata) - By Riza Hoxha: The Kosova people who have arrived in Albania through Morina crossing post in the past four days is estimated at over 100 000.

    The spokesman of the prefecture of Kukes, Emri Peca told ATA that the 15 000 Kosovars who reached Albania last night and on Wednesday morning, carry the total number of Kosovars so far to over 100 thousand people.

    More than 30 000 of them have been taken to other districts such as Tirane, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Vlore etc.

    The flow of people coming to Albania is reportedly on the increase. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [16] Number of Kosovars reaching Tirane amounts to 7 200

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - By Th Thanasi: The number of Kosova people settled in Tirane was estimated at 7 200 on Wednesday morning.

    The number of the Kosovars coming to Albania fell last night and during Wednesday morning, but according to reports, hundreds of Kosova people are travelling towards Tirane, said to ATA Muhamet Jaho, representative of the Prefecture of Tirane in the special commission for the acceptance of the Kosovars in the sport palace Asllan Rusi in Tirane.

    According to him, from last Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning, the new arrivals in this centre were estimated at 700 people, thus carrying the total number of the Kosovars in Tirane to nearly 7 200 people. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [17] Serbs hit border post of Dobrun

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - By Urim Bajrami: Serb military forces hit Tuesday noon in the direction of the border crossing of Dobrun, Has district.

    The press office of the Public Order Ministry told ATA on Wednesday that at about 14 00 p.m. on Tuesday, forces of the Serb army opened gunfire against the border post of Dobrun, and two bullets fell near the school of the village.

    According to the same source, the Serb party hit with two artillery shells near the eighth form school of village Gegaj, Tropoje district.

    In both incidents there have been no casualties, the press office reports.

    The Albanian forces of border police have been on the alert. They have not opened fire in return because the shells have been shot deep from the border area.

    It is not the first time that Serb military forces provoke such incidents on the border. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [18] Tirane students support Kosova brothers

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - By P Shuteriqi: Students and teachers of the Tirane University voiced their support for the Kosovars coming here as a result of the violence by the Serb army and militia.

    The students of the faculties of law and natural sciences have gone voluntarily to the Mother Teresa hospital centre and other medical centres to donate blood, said to ATA the Rector of Tirana University, Marenglen Spiro.

    Each faculty is also serving as a centre for financial aid being gathered for the families evicted violently from Kosove in the recent days.

    In the mean time, groups of students of social sciences faculties have been contributing to the accommodation centres. Students of the faculty of medicine are helping in the medical aspect, the distribution of medicaments in the camping set up near the swimming pools, in which over 1 500 people from Kosove have been accommodated. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [19] Albania, NATO's important partner

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - By Enkelejda Koraqi: The deputy General Commander of NATO for Europe, General Rupert Smith, had a meeting on Wednesday with the Albanian Defence Minister, Luan Hajdaraga.

    Hajdaraga spoke in the meeting of the difficult situation created in Albania as a result of the huge influx of the refugees from Kosove, whose number is now over 100 000. In this situation, Albania badly needs a close cooperation and support from NATO, said Hajdaraga.

    General Smith voiced the appreciation of the Alliance Staff for Albania's assistance in its military actions.

    After the meeting with the Defence Minister, General Smith will also meet with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister and senior officials in the Foreign Ministry of Albania. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [20] Albanian Youth Council assists Kosovars

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - By R Xhuvani: The Albanian Youth Council is working to form a strategy for all youth NGOs in support of the question of Kosove.

    On Wednesday, its representatives and youth NGO-s discussed the actions to be carried out for a continuous assistance for the people expelled from Milosevic's regime.

    Those present in the meeting determined the main topics to be focused upon. Firstly, the NGO-s will deal with the distribution of food, medical aid and clothes according to the needs of the people.

    In order to treat the children and their mothers from Kosove to overcome their traumas and their side effects, a group of youths specialised in these matters will be actively working.

    Over the coming days, the Albanian Youth Council will organize a rally of solidarity for the question of Kosove and for the displaced Kosovars, along with a campaign of aid for these people. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [21] Proclaiming of hosting city of Festfolk Festival '99 postponed due to tense situation in Kosova

    TIRANE, March 31 (ATA) - By K.Shehu: The city where the Festfolk Festival '99 will be organized is not proclaimed yet due to the tense situation in Kosove. The festival is foreseen to be held during the Autumn season.

    It was said that the winning city will be announced on March 5, but the decision is not taken even at the end of the month. Nothing can be said so far for the city where the biggest event of Albanian folk would be held.

    Sources from the Cultural Inheritance Directory in the Ministry of Culture told ATA on Wednesday that " the activity "Evening of the winner", where the winning city will be proclaimed, is impossible to be hold due to the situation created recently in Albania".

    The same sources said that "the town-hall chairmen who were protagonist of this evening, are maximally engaged in systemizing the people coming from Kosove". /dast/A.A/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [22] We support just cause of people of Kosove - French parliamentarian

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - By I Luto: The chairman of the French Parliamentary Commission of the Foreign Policy, Jack Lang, voiced on Wednesday to the Albanian Ambassador in Paris, Luan Rama, the solidarity of the French Government and people with the Kosova cause and efforts that the Albanian state is making to accommodate the people displaced from Kosove.

    The Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Paris told ATA that during the meeting, Lang mentioned as a sign of this solidarity the visit on Thursday to Tirane of the French Minister of Cooperation and Frankophone, Charles Josselin, who will coordinate the French emergency aid for Kosova refugees.

    The chairman of the Parliamentary Commission of Foreign Policy, Lang, voiced in the meeting the will to visit Tirane. "I would like to voice our solidarity and support for Kosove through a great international meeting and to condemn together the barbarous crimes of Milosevic and his military and police machine," he said in the meeting.

    Jack Lang, former Minister of Culture and one of the leaders of the Socialist Party, is one of the most outstanding personalities of the French policy and intellectual life. /dast/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [23] Fourth International Fair "Spring '99" to be closed

    Tirana, March 31 (ATA) - By E.Xhajanka - On Tuesday afternoon in the International Center of Culture is closing the fourth International fair "Spring '99", organized by "Expro-Prima" association.

    In this important activity, which continue five days, participated nearly 60 companies that operate in Albania.

    Beside the exhibition and the sale of the products different seminars and press conferences are hold in the fair "Spring '99".

    "It was a qualitative fair, many contracts are assigned between the companies participant in this fair and it is expressing the interest of the foreign companies to produce in future in Albania", said for ATA the president of "Expro-Prima" Agron Jano./dast/linda/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [24] Actors of "Skampa" theater help financially displaced Kosovars, Elbasan

    ELBASAN, March 31 (ATA) - By Ornela Kadaifçiu: The artists of "Skampa" theater in the city of Elbasan will help financially the displaced Kosovars settled in their city, Demosten Papa, director of this theater reported to ATA on Wednesday.

    According to Papa, the actors of the city of Elbasan will organize a performance in the forthcoming days, and will use the incomes to be taken from the performance to help the people coming from Kosove. /dast/A.A/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [25] Greece denounces massive assassination of Albanians of Kosove - Papandreou

    Tirane, March 31 (ata) - By E Nepravishta: The Greek Government has denounced the Serb operations of ethnic cleansing and the massive assassinations among the Albanians of Kosove, stated on Wednesday the Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou in a meeting with the Albanian Prime Minister, Pandeli Majko. "The Greek Government adopted yesterday a fund of 2.8 billion drachmas to assist Albania and Macedonia but the greatest needs are those of Albania," said Papandreou. Today, some vehicles are bringing tents from Greece for Kosova refugees who have arrived in the North of Albania. /y.pa/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [26] Two Greek military aircraft to bring aid everyday in Albania for Kosove refugees - Papandreou

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - By Ilir Paco: Greece will help Kosova refugees bringing to Albania everyday food and pharmaceutical aid in the two coming weeks.

    "Two F-130 aircraft of the Greek army will land everyday on Rinas airport carrying humanitarian aid for Kosova refugees," said right after arriving in the Rinas airport on Wednesday the Greek Foreign Minister, George Papandreou. He handed over to Albanian authorities 20 tons of food aid for the Kosovars in Albania.

    In these moments, the chief of the Greek diplomacy is holding a meeting with Albanian Prime Minister, Pandeli Majko without the presence of reporters.

    Previously, the Greek minister had a meeting with the President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani.

    The visit of Papandreou in Albania was not planned and is being held in the context of the emergency situation created in Albania after the arrival of thousands of Kosovars violently evicted from their territories by the Belgrade regime.

    The President of Albania called on the International Community yesterday to provide assistance for the refugees from Kosove. /s.sh/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [27] Albanian airport to be opened again

    Tirana, March 31 (ata) - After many days interruption is opened on Wednesday the only international airport of Albania Rinas. It is opened for all airlines companies.

    "Rinas airport as a main air entrance in Albania will be opened, but the planes will flight only according the corridors defined by Eurotransport Organization with its center in Brussels", inform for ATA the press office at the Ministry of Public Affairs and Transport.

    Through Rinas airport pass nearly 300 000 passengers per year and nearly 900 000 tons goods per year.

    DHL service will work normally in Rinas airport, also.

    The international airport Rinas is closed in March 25 by the order given by Eurotransport Organization, because of NATO air strikes in Jugoslavia./linda/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [28] Elbasani District Board to accord 1.5 million lek for Kosova comers

    Elbasani, March 31 (ATA)- By M.Lulja - District Board of Elbasani hold on Tuesday a working meeting to be informed about the situation created after the new comers from Kosova in this town and about the measures to be taken for their accommodation.

    In this meeting it is stressed that with the measures taken till now nearly 2200 kosovars can accommodated.

    In this meeting a work group is formed to keep continuous contact with the comers from Kosova. Beside this a fond of 1.5 million lek is accord to be used for food, clothes and accommodation.

    Meanwhile 18 busses with 1000 other kosovars are expected to come, who are going to be settled in Shushica camp.

    The number of the kosovars in this town till Tuesday is 1983 people. They are accommodated in the institutions defined by the local power, 510 of them are accommodated in the pedagogical high school, 216 in the general high school "Sali Ceka" and some 162 persons in the building of "Golping" association.

    The rest is accommodated in different places put in disposal by the town businessmen and citizens.

    Important contribution to stand the situation is given by Trade and Industry Chamber, which covers all the emergence needs of the kosovars.

    A program is drafted by the town Municipality to provide the comers with sanitary equipments./lh/linda/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [29] Attorney's office asks visual media to gather testimonies from displaced Kosovars

    TIRANE, March 31 (ATA) - By Th.Thanasi: The General Attorney's office has asked Wednesday the visual media to contribute in gathering of testimonies on horrors of the war and genocide in Kosove from people coming from there.

    The General Attorney's Office undertakes this important step after a letter Arben Rakipi, Attorney General of Albania, addressed some days ago to the authorities of Hague International Tribunal. The initiative is supported by Albanian mediae, which will gather information on barbarous crimes of Belgrade regime against the Albanian ethnic population in Kosove.

    The General Prosecutor Office has asked the state run television, as well as other private television channels for cooperation regarding the documentation of testimonies of persons coming from Kosove on the tragic massacres committed by Serb terrorists, Ardian Visha, spokesman of General Prosecutor told ATA on Wednesday.

    According to him, all this documentation on the crimes commited in ex- Yugoslavia against human beings will be placed in disposition of the Hague International Tribunal. /lh/A.A/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [30] Peaceful protest in capital tomorrow against violence and ethnic cleansing in Kosova

    TIRANE, March 31 (ATA)-By E. Nepravishta, The Forum of the Non- governmental Oragnisations and the Albanian Foundation of Civil Society will hold a peaceful demonstration against violence and ethnic cleansing in Kosova, at the Scanderbeg Square on Thursday.

    These organisations on Wednesday called on the people of Tirane for a broad participation in this demonstration, in token of solidarity with the Kosova brothers, on whose shoulders weigh the violence and terror of the Serb military machine. /y.pa/lm/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [31] Bonino and Verheugen: humanitarian crisis in Kosova another shame reminding you of Bosnia

    TIRANE, March 31 (ATA)-By I. Luto, Gunter Verheugen, Minister of State at the German Foreign Ministry, declared in Tirane on Wednesday that the European Union (EU), whose rotating presidency is held by Germany, would do its utmost to help the Kosova refugees, but the political problem of the crisis in Kosova couldn't be resolved through humanitarian means.

    Verheugen, currently in Tirane along with the EU Humanitarian Affairs commissioner, Emma Bonino, to asses the situation in Albania following a very large number of Kosova refugees, told a news conference on Wednesday that the conflict in Kosova couldn't be resolved through humanitarian aid.

    "The political problem of the crisis will be resolved by forcing Milosevic into respecting the United Nations resolutions."

    "The International Community calls on Milosevic to give up violence, otherwise the International Community will punish him by intensifying the language of force".

    Bonino and Verheugen met in Tirane today with top officials of the Albanian state and confirmed the preliminary aid provided for the Albanian government to meet the needs of accommodating more than 100 000 Kosovars arriving in Albania in few days.

    Bonino said that the EU preliminary aid for refugees is US$ 12 million and tomorrow, at the Bon meeting with the foreign ministers of the region, other countries of the community are expected to contribute.

    The Federal Government of Germany, said Verheugen, has earmarked 25 million DM to alleviate the deplorable state of the Kosovar refugees in Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro.

    The number of the Kosova refugees in Albania, according to governmental sources, has exceeded 130 000.

    The German Minister of State said that the aid for the Kosova refugees is provided with the aim that the war refugees stay near the lands they have been displaced from, to return "maybe" soon to their homes.

    The two special EU envoys strongly denounced the Serbian policy of genocide against the Kosova Albanians.

    After visiting several centres where Kosova refugees have been accommodated, Bonino and Verheugen will leave Albania for Skopje. /pas/lm/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [32] Massage of Pope John Pali II addressed to Albanian people handed over to Albanian President

    TIRANE, March 31 (ATA) - Albanian President, Rexhep Meidani, held a meeting on Wednesday midday with the special envoy of his Excellency Pope John Pole II, Monsignor Paul Josef Cordes, who is in Albania carrying a special meeting in these difficult days when a very grave humanitarian situation is being perpetuated.

    During the meeting, Albanian President was handed over a message of Pope John Pole II addressed to all the Albanian population and especially to the Kosova Albanians for the tragedy they are undergoing.

    Pope John Pole II writes in the letter: "In these days when we are preparing to celebrate Easter, Europe is unfortunately going through another terrible time in its history. The dolorous conflict happening in Kosove, is causing terrible pains and is sowing hatred, violence and death to the people. The consequences are dramatic especially for many destroyed families and for the innumerable refugees obliged to flee their soil abandoning thus their houses and everything they had. I am closely attending the situation and pray to the Holly God to compassionate the people who are in such a difficult situation. I pray to Maria, Queen of Peace, to root to the irresponsible persons and everyone else the courageous proposals for peace.

    I am with you, and I will always be with you as far as a right peace will reign in Balkan soil.

    Much blood and tears have the Balkan people shed in the XXth century. Let their peace-aspired day be born at least", ends the message of Pope John Pole II. /lh/A.A/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [33] Ministry of Culture assists Kosovars coming in Albania

    TIRANE, March (ATA) - By K.Shehu: The Albanian Ministry of Culture told ATA on Wednesday that it has suspended 30% of the budget of artistic projects to help the displaced Kosovars, while the budget of investments is totally suspended.

    Cultural Ministry has suspended every new nomination and has decreased the fund of operative expenses in order to assist the people coming from Kosove.

    The Ministry of Culture is also carrying out attempts to shelter the Kosovars coming in Albania in the grounds of the institutions depending from it.

    The majority part of Kosovars arriving in Tirane are sheltered in the palace of sports "Asllan Rusi" as well as in the grounds of "Dinamo" sportive center. The chief of the cabinet, Blendi Gonxhe, said that "the grounds of International Center of Culture and National Historic Museum will be placed in disposition of the coming Kosovars if necessary". /lh/A.A/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [34] Albania fully supports intensification of NATO military actions - President

    TIRANE, March 31 (ata) - The President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani had a meeting on Wednesday with the delegation of the European Commission led by German State Minister, Gunter Verheugen and the Commissioner for European Aid, Emma Bonino.

    They considered as very grave, from the humanitarian point of view, the situation in Albania, especially Kukes with many other refugees expected to come, the President's press office reports.

    Bonino and Verheugen voiced the support of the European Union and its member countries to assist the Kosove Albanian people who have fled to Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro.

    President Meidani expressed Albania's complete support for the intensification of the NATO military actions, saying "now, one can no longer speak of genocide and ethnic cleansing, but of clear aims of Belgrade for the ethnic physical elimination of the Albanian population in Kosove, planned time ago through platforms prepared since the time of Çubrilovic."

    President Meidani pointed out that in the course of the NATO strikes on Yugoslavia, the search for ways to ensure a presence of ground forces in Kosove would help, in addition to other things, the poor humanitarian situation of the Albanians who are in mountains of Kosove. After Peja, now Prishtina is being evacuated from the Albanian population which is directed to the borders of Albania and other regions in the region. A considerable part of the Albanian inhabitants is in hiding in order to escape Serb military violence and is waiting any possibility for humanitarian aid.

    The chairman of the Albanian state stressed in the meeting that "anti- Albanian acts of Serbia are being made in the course of the ethnic cleansing it is realising against the Albanians during this century," and voiced his belief that "only the resolve of NATO and its partners will certainly put an end to this mediaeval mentality of the Belgrade political leadership."

    The European Council Commissioner for Refugees and the German Minister voiced their readiness to offer humanitarian aid to help improve the situation, pointing out their impossibility in the present conditions to offer assistance to the Albanian population actually in Kosove. /pas/xh/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [35] Bonino and Verheugen: humanitarian crisis in Kosova another shame reminding you of Bosnia

    TIRANE, March 31 (ATA)-By I. Luto, Gunter Verheugen, Minister of State at the German Foreign Ministry, declared in Tirane on Wednesday that the European Union (EU), whose rotating presidency is held by Germany, would do its utmost to help the Kosova refugees, but the political problem of the crisis in Kosova couldn't be resolved through humanitarian means.

    Verheugen, currently in Tirane along with the EU Humanitarian Affairs commissioner, Emma Bonino, to asses the situation in Albania following a very large number of Kosova refugees, told a news conference on Wednesday that the conflict in Kosova couldn't be resolved through humanitarian aid.

    "The political problem of the crisis will be resolved by forcing Milosevic into respecting the United Nations resolutions."

    "The International Community calls on Milosevic to give up violence, otherwise the International Community will punish him by intensifying the language of force".

    Bonino and Verheugen met in Tirane today with top officials of the Albanian state and confirmed the preliminary aid provided for the Albanian government to meet the needs of accommodating more than 100 000 Kosovars arriving in Albania in few days.

    Bonino said that the EU preliminary aid for refugees is US$ 12 million and tomorrow, at the Bon meeting with the foreign ministers of the region, other countries of the community are expected to contribute.

    The Federal Government of Germany, said Verheugen, has earmarked 25 million DM to alleviate the deplorable state of the Kosovar refugees in Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro.

    The number of the Kosova refugees in Albania, according to governmental sources, has exceeded 130 000.

    The German Minister of State said that the aid for the Kosova refugees is provided with the aim that the war refugees stay near the lands they have been displaced from, to return "maybe" soon to their homes.

    The two special EU envoys strongly denounced the Serbian policy of genocide against the Kosova Albanians.

    After visiting several centres where Kosova refugees have been accommodated, Bonino and Verheugen will leave Albania for Skopje. /pas/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [36] Number of displaced Kosovars in Pogradec amounts to 87

    POGRADEC, March 31 (ATA) - By B.Fejzullai: The German beneficent foundation "Nehemia", with its headquarter in the city of Pogradec, sheltered Wednesday some 87 people coming from Kosova.

    The President of this foundation, Arnold Kajger, told ATA that the displaced Kosovars are 37 children, 25 women and 25 elderly persons. According to him they are rather shocked and they are given the immediate medical care in the grounds of this foundation.

    The building of "Nehemia" beneficial foundation has got a dinning hall, a kitchen and medical care. All the expenses for the Kosovars are covered by "Nehemia" foundation which is distinguished in Pogradec district for its charitable activity for several years.

    The district mayor, Sokol Vaso, told ATA that the town-hall has secured two other places to accommodate the influx of people coming to their city, but they have shortcomings regarding the supply with beds, mattresses and blankets. /pas/A.A/

    PRISHTINA, Jan. 30 - ATA correspondent in Prishtina, Belul Jashari, reports:

    Eight Albanians from the region of Has were sentenced on Friday with 32 years in jail during the juridical process, which started several days ago in Prizeren against 24 Albanians.

    "Tough punishments were given, although the accusation for terrorism against them was not proved by any fact," said the advocates of the accused, who are kept in jail since October of last year.

    Under the charge of terrorism, more that 1000 Albanians are expected to face trial. The series of these processes has started in Prishtina with the trial against 26 Albanians from Ferizaj. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [37] NATO attacks do not destabilise but support political solutions - Smith

    -NATO deputy commander meets with Albanian Deputy Foreign Minister-

    TIRANE, March 31 (ATA)-By E. Koraqi, NATO Deputy Commander General Rupert Smith met, at the Albanian Foreign Ministry today, with deputy Foreign Minister Pellumb Xhufi, who hailed the NATO alliance for its contribution to forcing official Belgrade to accept the International Community's options for the solution of the Kosova crisis.

    Xhufi expressed Albania's readiness to cooperate with NATO to eliminate the humanitarian crisis in Kosova and its consequences in Albania, according to the Foreign Ministry's Press and Information department.

    Xhufi said that NATO's contribution would be welcome to help cope with the problems Albania is facing following the influx of the Kosova refugees.

    The Albanian government, he added, is totally engaged in coping with the current situations.

    "It is duing its utmost to cope with an influx of 130 000 Kosova refugees in Albania, but in the event of its increase due to Belgrade's ethnic cleansing policy against Kosova, it would be good for the international community to reconsider the proportions of assistance towards Albania".

    General Smith hailed Albanian government's engagement in coping with the situations. He said that a stabilised region would largely help resolve the crisis in Kosova.

    "The NATO strikes do not destabilise but they support the peaceful political solution proposed by the international community. Our engagement in this direction will be maximal," Smith said at the end of the meeting. /y.pa/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [38] 142 vehicles toward Kukes

    Tirana, March 31 (ATA) - By M.Pupa - The Ministry of Public Affairs and Transport till Wednesday sent nearly 142 vehicles to be used for the transport of the new comers from Kosova toward other Albanian towns.

    Both Ministries that of Public Affairs and Transport and of Public Order issued a common order by appealing to all Albanian private companies, dealing with transport activities, to support in the transport of the comers from Kosova./lh/linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [39] Papandreou assures Meidani of Greek government's plans to help Kosovars

    TIRANE, March 31 (ATA)-President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani today met with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who is on a brief visit to Albania, to express the solidarity of his Government for the Albanian people and the Kosova refugees, who are experiencing a real humanitarian drama.

    Papandreou brought Meidani greetings from his counterpart Costis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis and assured him of the Greek government's plans in aid of the Albanian people of Kosova who are now found not only in the territory of Albania, the President's press office reports.

    Meidani expressed himself in support of the intensification of the NATO actions as an indispensability to put an end to Belgrade's medieval mentality to eliminate the Albanian population of Kosova.

    Referring to the events of this century, Meidani said that the current Serb attack against the Albanian population is similar to the attack of the '30s of this century and that after the World War Two, when some 700 000 Albanians were expelled from Kosova. /lh/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [40] Swiss and Italian assistance for Albanian military

    Tirana, March 31 (ATA) - By Enkeleda Koraqi - Assistance for the Albanian military came on Wednesday in Durresi port, told ATA the Information Ministry.

    The Italian ship "San Marko" brought 30 transport means "Stejer" and other aid means from the Swiss military. Beside this assistance the Italian ship brought two busses, two ambulances, two cranes, a fire-engine and 6 000 l milk sent by the Italian military.

    This assistance is in provided in the frame work of the cooperation program assigned between the Albanian military and the Italian and Swiss one./lh/linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [41] Twenty injured Kosovars arrive in Has

    HAS, March 31 (ATA)-By R. Hoxha, Twenty Kosovars wounded by the Serb military and police forces' gunfire crossed into Has district at Qafe- Prushi border post.

    Kadri Ngjeci, director of the civil hospital of Krume, told ATA that auto-ambulances were immediately sent to take the injured to our health centre.

    He said that 44 Kosova refugees have so far been hospitalised in Krume, adding that they are in a good health state after receiving medical aid. /lh/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [42] 97 000 kosovars in Kukes

    Kukes, March 31 (ATA) - By R.Hoxha - The number of the kosovars in Kukes since March 26 till now is 97 000 persons.

    The comers' flux is increasing, said the head of evacuation commission Qemal Parllaku.

    According to him the number of the kosovars to come on Wednesday is more than 10 000 persons.

    Meanwhile, the emergence group of this Prefecture actually is working for their evacuation toward the other Albanian districts.

    Prefecture Secretary Fadil Gjuta told ATA that the number of the kosovars sent in thirteen Albanian districts is 35 000 persons.

    The others accommodated in Kuksi families will be evacuated in the coming days, said he./lh/linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [43] Close cooperation of Albanian government with NATO -Prime Minister Majko meets with General Smith-

    TIRANE, March 31 (ATA)-By E. Nepravishta, Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko on Wednesday met with the NATO Deputy Commander General, General Rupert Smith. They considered Albanian government's cooperation with NATO very close and materialised in the joint efforts to find a solution to the conflict in Kosova and stop ethnic cleansing there.

    The meeting between Majko and Smith was held behind closed doors, according to the Ministry of Information. /s.sh/lm/


    From the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at http://www.telpress.it/ata


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